Big Brothers Big Sisters Event Celebrates Community Partnerships

Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted the fourth annual Queen’s Park Reception on April 28th. Nearly 100 guests attended the event which recognizes the importance of community partnerships when it comes to helping Canadian youth and families in need.

"The job is simply too big for one organization," stressed Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. "Government can't do it all. Private sector-funded programs can't provide all the resources and the voluntary sector is often under resourced. However, when all these players come together with BBBS, the magic happens and together we can change people's lives for the better."

MacDonald also announced the Government of Ontario’s commitment of $1.5 million to renew the School-based Mentoring Programs for another year. Other speakers at the event included the Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Joyce Savoline MPP, Burlington, Howard Hampton, MPP, Kenora, Rainy-River, Jennifer Reed, VP, Government Relations and Communications for MasterCard and Ashleigh McConnell, recipient of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program.

Thanks goes out to agencies for their zeal in inviting and following-up with their local government representatives. Their efforts paid off! The proof: the significant turnout of MPPs from all three political parties and the number of them who asked organizers if agency staff or board members from their constituencies were present in the hopes of being introduced.

Many agency staff and board members traveled from as far away as Sarnia and London for the opportunity to meet their MPPs and share some of the exciting work they are doing in their communities. Pictures of agency staff and MPPs were also taken for agency and constituency newsletters.

By all standards, the reception was a tremendous success - cultivating relationships with and keeping our movement’s message top of mind with our partners.